Two fatal traffic accidents and a prolonged standoff between police and a would-be robber in a single week shook up the sense of security in Forest Grove. Opinion Editor George Rede commented on the randomness of the week's events and offered three takeaways.

The Hillsboro Tribune took note of public library enhancements in Hillsboro, Cornelius and Aloha in an editorial that praised the "progressive leadership and hard work of all those who have made it happen" in the three communities.

The Oregonian editorial board said proposals to build a community recreation center in Hillsboro and an events center at the Washington County Fair Complex using Gain Share money makes sense as a strategy to make Hillsboro more attractive as a place to live.

In response, state Rep. Ben Unger, D-Hillsboro, said great public schools are what draw people to a particular community and urged city and county officials to spend Gain Share money with a goal of making Washington County's school system the best in the state.

There was plenty more commentary from elected officials and community residents during the past week. Here's the weekly roundup of editorials, guest
opinions and letters to the editor addressing topics in our local communities
and Washington County.